Salt Lake City is an incredible base for RV road trips. Here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect road trip.
Driving rules in Utah
The USA drives on the RIGHT-hand side of the road. Utah is exceptionally RV-friendly with well-maintained highways connecting its five stunning national parks. The state's road network spans vast desert plateaus, alpine mountain passes, and dramatic canyon corridors, making it essential to understand local driving regulations before you hit the road in your motorhome or campervan.
- Speed limits: 80 mph (129 km/h) on rural interstates (I-15 south of Provo, I-80 west of Salt Lake City), 65 mph (105 km/h) on urban freeways within the Wasatch Front metro, 25 mph in residential areas and school zones. RVs should generally travel 5–10 mph (8–16 km/h) below the posted limit on steep grades.
- Seatbelts: Mandatory for all occupants in all seating positions. Children under 8 must be in an approved car seat or booster unless they are taller than 57 inches. Fines start at $45 per unbelted occupant.
- Phone use: Texting while driving is illegal and classified as a class C misdemeanour. Handheld phone use is prohibited while operating a vehicle. Fines begin at $100 for a first offence and increase to $750 for subsequent violations.
- Alcohol, strictest in the US: Utah has the nation's lowest DUI threshold at 0.05% BAC. Grocery stores and convenience stores sell only low-point beer (up to 5% ABV). Wine, spirits, and full-strength beer are available exclusively at Utah State Liquor Stores (DABC), which are closed on Sundays and holidays. Bars and restaurants serve full-strength drinks but close at 1:00 AM.
- Wildlife crossings: Watch for mule deer, elk, and moose on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk along US-89, SR-92 through American Fork Canyon, and the Mirror Lake Highway. Utah averages over 10,000 deer–vehicle collisions per year. Slow down in signed wildlife corridors.
- RV-specific. Zion Tunnel: Zion's Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel (1.1 miles (1.8 km) long) requires a traffic-control escort for vehicles over 7'10" wide or 11'4" tall. The escort fee is $15 and is paid at the park entrance station. Larger Class A motorhomes may not fit at all, check your exact dimensions before entering.
- National park entrance fees: Individual park entry is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass at each of the Mighty Five parks. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers all five parks plus every other federal site, it pays for itself after visiting just three parks.
Driving conditions around Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City's freeway system centres on three major interstates: I-15 (north–south spine), I-80 (east to Park City and west to the Bonneville Salt Flats), and I-215 (beltway loop). Rush-hour congestion is heaviest from 7:00–9:00 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM along I-15 between Provo and Ogden. Outside those windows, traffic flows smoothly.
Mountain and desert driving
Elevation changes in Utah are dramatic. Salt Lake City sits at 1,288 metres (4,226 feet), but within 45 minutes you can climb to over 2,400 metres (8,000 feet) at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon or Parley's Summit on I-80. Southern Utah's desert highways climb above 2,700 metres (9,000 feet) at Bryce Canyon's rim and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
- Winter driving: Chains or approved snow tyres are required in the Wasatch Mountains from November through April. UDOT posts chain restrictions on I-80 through Parley's Canyon and on SR-210 to Alta/Snowbird. Carry chains even if you have 4WD, enforcement is strict during storms.
- Summer desert driving: Temperatures in southern Utah regularly exceed 40 °C (104 °F) from June through August. Carry at least 4 litres of drinking water per person in the vehicle at all times. Monitor your engine temperature gauge on long climbs and pull over if it spikes.
- I-15 corridor (SLC to St. George): This 480 km (300-mile) corridor is Utah's primary north–south artery and the gateway to Zion and Bryce Canyon. It includes long grades near Beaver and the Virgin River Gorge (technically in Arizona). Use low gear on descents to save your brakes.
- I-70 corridor (Salina to Green River): One of the most scenic interstate stretches in America, crossing the San Rafael Swell with virtually no services for 170 km (106 miles). Fill your fuel tank and empty your bladder before departing Salina or Green River.
Camping in Utah and the Mighty Five
Utah's “Mighty Five” national parks make it one of the world's premier RV destinations. From fully equipped campgrounds inside the parks to free dispersed camping on millions of acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) desert, the state offers an extraordinary range of overnight options for every budget and rig size.
National park campgrounds
- Zion National Park. Watchman Campground: The park's flagship campground with 95 electric sites, flush toilets, and a dump station. Located at the south entrance near Springdale, it provides easy access to the park shuttle. Sites cost $20–$30 per night. Reserve exactly 6 months ahead on recreation.gov, slots sell out within minutes of opening.
- Zion. South Campground: 117 sites without hookups, nestled along the Virgin River. A quieter alternative to Watchman. First-come, first-served from November through February; reservable March through October. $20 per night.
- Bryce Canyon National Park. North & Sunset Campgrounds: 99 sites total between the two campgrounds, both within walking distance of the iconic hoodoo viewpoints at Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Points. North Campground is open year-round. $20 per night. Some sites accommodate rigs up to 45 feet (14 m).
- Arches National Park. Devils Garden: 51 sites at the end of the park road, surrounded by red-rock fins and arches. This is one of the hardest campgrounds in Utah to book, set a calendar reminder for the 6-month window. $25 per night. Maximum RV length is 30 feet (9.1 m) on some loops.
- Canyonlands National Park. Squaw Flat (Needles District): 26 sites in a stunning desert setting with short walks to dramatic viewpoints. $15 per night, first-come, first-served. No hookups but a vault toilet is available. The Needles District is less crowded than Island in the Sky.
- Capitol Reef National Park. Fruita Campground: 71 sites in a historic fruit orchard along the Fremont River. Orchards are open for picking (cherries, apricots, peaches, apples) in season. First-come, first-served. $20 per night. One of the most charming campgrounds in the entire national park system.
State parks and nearby campgrounds
- Dead Horse Point State Park: Perched on a cliff 600 metres above the Colorado River near Moab. 21 electric sites with stunning canyon panoramas. $30–$40 per night. Reserve at stateparks.utah.gov.
- Goblin Valley State Park: 24 sites surrounded by thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos. $25 per night. A dark-sky park ideal for stargazing. About 350 km (3.5 hours) south of Salt Lake City.
- Antelope Island State Park: On the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, only 45 minutes from downtown SLC. 26 sites with electric hookups and lake views. Watch free-roaming bison herds. $20–$35 per night.
- Wasatch Mountain State Park: Near Heber City in the Wasatch Range, 75 km (45 minutes) from SLC. Over 100 sites with full hookups. Great summer base for hiking and mountain biking. $25–$40 per night.
- Jordanelle State Park: A reservoir campground near Park City with 100+ sites, a marina, and excellent trout fishing. $25–$40 per night. An easy day trip from SLC.
BLM dispersed camping and free options
Utah has vast tracts of BLM land where dispersed camping is free and legal for up to 14 days. Popular areas include the desert flats surrounding Moab (along UT-128 and Kane Creek Road), the Burr Trail corridor near Capitol Reef, and the Hole-in-the-Rock Road south of Escalante. You must be self-contained, there are no toilets, water, or services. Leave no trace and pack out all rubbish.
- Mirror Lake Highway (SR-150): Dispersed camping along this stunning alpine route through the Uinta Mountains, 90 minutes east of SLC. Free sites at elevations above 3,000 metres with lake views. Open June through October depending on snowpack.
- BLM land near Moab: Dozens of established dispersed sites along the Colorado River (UT-128) and Potash Road (UT-279). Some now require a permit ($5 per night) during peak season (March–October) to manage overuse.
Booking tips and dump stations
Book national park campgrounds the instant the 6-month window opens on recreation.gov, they sell out within minutes, especially for spring and autumn weekends. Set a phone alarm for 10:00 AM Eastern on the exact opening date. Moab and Springdale have dump stations at most private RV parks ($10–$15 for non-guests). BLM campers can use town dumps in Moab, Escalante, and Torrey for $5–$10.
Activities and attractions near Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is the ultimate launchpad for Utah's legendary “Mighty Five” national parks loop, one of the greatest RV road trips in the world. But the state offers far more than its five flagship parks. From surreal salt flats to Navajo tribal lands, from dinosaur quarries to world-class ski resorts, Utah rewards every kind of traveller.
Utah's Mighty Five national parks
- Zion National Park (470 km / 4.5 hrs from SLC): Towering 600-metre red Navajo Sandstone cliffs, The Narrows slot canyon hike (wade through the Virgin River), and Angels Landing, one of America's most thrilling trails with chain-assisted sections above 450-metre drops. The park shuttle is mandatory April through October; private vehicles can enter November through March. Allow 2–3 days minimum.
- Bryce Canyon National Park (430 km / 4 hrs): Thousands of red, orange, and white hoodoo spire formations created by frost wedging and erosion over millions of years. Sunrise Point and Sunset Point offer unforgettable views. Hike the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden trails (combined 4.6 km loop) for an up-close experience among the hoodoos. At 2,400–2,700 metres elevation, it is significantly cooler than other Utah parks.
- Arches National Park (380 km / 3.5 hrs): Over 2,000 catalogued natural stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch (featured on Utah licence plates). The Devils Garden trail (12 km) leads to seven major arches. Timed entry reservations are required April through October ($2 per vehicle on recreation.gov). Book weeks in advance.
- Canyonlands National Park (390 km / 4 hrs): Utah's largest national park, divided into three distinct districts. Island in the Sky (most accessible, dramatic mesa-top viewpoints), the Needles (colourful sandstone spires and backcountry hiking), and The Maze (extremely remote, high-clearance 4WD only). The Mesa Arch sunrise is one of the most photographed scenes in the American West.
- Capitol Reef National Park (350 km / 3.5 hrs): The 160 km Waterpocket Fold, a wrinkle in the Earth's crust, defines this under-visited gem. Drive the scenic Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, view Fremont petroglyphs, hike to Hickman Bridge, and pick fresh fruit from the historic Fruita orchards (cherries in June, peaches in August, apples in October).
Beyond the Mighty Five
- Bonneville Salt Flats (185 km / 2 hrs west on I-80): A surreal, blindingly white landscape stretching to the horizon. The location of land speed records since 1935. Free to visit and drive on (when dry). Best experienced at sunrise or sunset for extraordinary photographs.
- Great Salt Lake (25 km / 20 min): The largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Visit Antelope Island State Park to see free-roaming bison, hike to Frary Peak (2,010 m), and float effortlessly in water up to 8 times saltier than the ocean.
- Park City (55 km / 40 min): Home to two world-class ski resorts (Park City Mountain and Deer Valley), the US Ski Team headquarters, and the annual Sundance Film Festival. In summer, the slopes transform into mountain biking and hiking trail networks. Historic Main Street is lined with galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.
- Goblin Valley State Park (365 km / 3.5 hrs): Thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone formations (“goblins”) that look like an alien landscape. Children love scrambling over them. An International Dark Sky Park with spectacular stargazing.
- Dead Horse Point State Park (375 km / 3.5 hrs): A dramatic mesa-top viewpoint 600 metres above a gooseneck bend in the Colorado River. The filming location for the final scene of Thelma & Louise. $20 per vehicle entry.
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (740 km / 6.5 hrs): The iconic sandstone buttes featured in countless Western films. Located on the Navajo Nation (separate entry fee of $8 per person). Guided Navajo tours offer access to restricted areas and cultural insights you cannot get on your own.
- Dinosaur National Monument (290 km / 3 hrs): A working quarry with over 1,500 dinosaur bones still embedded in rock, on the Utah–Colorado border. The Quarry Exhibit Hall is fascinating for all ages. Free scenic drives through Split Mountain Canyon.
The Mighty Five loop itinerary
The classic Utah loop covers all five national parks in 7–10 days and approximately 2,400 km (1,500 miles). Depart Salt Lake City south on I-15 to Zion, then east to Bryce Canyon, north to Capitol Reef, east to Arches and Canyonlands near Moab, and return north via I-70 and US-6. Allow at least two full days per park for a rewarding experience, rushing through defeats the purpose. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best balance of weather, availability, and crowd levels.
Essential travel tips for a Salt Lake City RV trip
A Utah RV road trip crosses some of the most remote and extreme landscapes in the United States. Proper preparation for desert heat, high altitude, sparse services, and unique local regulations will make the difference between an incredible adventure and a stressful one.
Desert and altitude safety
- Hydration, carry 1 gallon (3.8 l) per person per day: In southern Utah's desert parks, dehydration is the number-one medical emergency. Carry at least 1 US gallon (3.8 litres) of drinking water per person per day, plus extra reserves in your RV tanks. Symptoms of dehydration include headache, dizziness, and dark urine, drink before you feel thirsty.
- Elevation changes: Salt Lake City sits at 1,288 m (4,226 ft), but Bryce Canyon's rim reaches 2,400–2,700 m (8,000–9,000 ft) and Brian Head Peak tops 3,450 m (11,307 ft). At these altitudes, you may experience shortness of breath, headaches, and fatigue. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous hikes on your first day at altitude.
- Extreme temperature swings: Desert parks routinely see 35–42 °C (95–108 °F) during summer days but can drop below 10 °C (50 °F) at night, especially at higher elevations. Pack layers and a warm sleeping bag even in July.
- Sun protection: Utah's high desert sun at altitude is extremely intense. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every two hours, wear wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and long-sleeved lightweight clothing. Sunburn can occur in under 20 minutes at 2,500 m elevation.
- Flash floods: Slot canyons (The Narrows in Zion, Buckskin Gulch near Kanab) are deadly flash flood zones. Never enter when rain is forecast anywhere in the watershed, storms 50 km away can funnel water into a narrow canyon within minutes. Check weather and NPS alerts before every hike.
Utah liquor laws
Utah's alcohol regulations are unique in the United States and surprise many visitors. Grocery stores and convenience stores sell beer up to 5% ABV. All wine, spirits, and higher-strength beer must be purchased from Utah State Liquor Stores (DABC locations), which are closed on Sundays and state holidays. Restaurants and bars serve full-strength drinks but only with a food order in some establishments. Last call is 1:00 AM. Plan your purchases accordingly, especially if arriving on a Sunday or heading into remote areas with no liquor stores.
Fuel and provisioning
- Fuel planning, fill up in every town: Gas stations are sparse in southern Utah. The 170 km stretch of I-70 between Salina and Green River has no services. Similarly, the Burr Trail and Notom Road near Capitol Reef have no fuel. Always top off when you see a gas station.
- Gas prices: Utah fuel prices are moderate by US standards. Budget $120–$220 per week depending on your rig size and driving distance. Fuel in small towns like Hanksville and Boulder can be $0.30–$0.50 per gallon more expensive than in SLC.
- Grocery shopping: Stock up comprehensively in Salt Lake City before departing. Smith's (Kroger affiliate), Costco, and WinCo are the best-value options. Small-town grocery stores near parks carry basics but at significantly higher prices. Moab has a City Market (Kroger) and a small natural foods store.
- Propane refills: Available at most RV parks, U-Haul locations, and some gas stations throughout the state. Top off before heading into the backcountry as cold desert nights will drain your propane faster than expected.
Park logistics and passes
- Timed entry at Arches: Arches National Park requires a timed entry reservation from April through October. Tickets cost $2 per vehicle and are released in monthly batches on recreation.gov. They sell out almost immediately, set a reminder and be online the moment they drop.
- America the Beautiful Pass: At $80 per year, this pass covers entrance to all five Utah national parks plus every other NPS and USFS fee area in the country. It pays for itself after visiting just three parks. Purchase at any park entrance station or online at recreation.gov.
- Cell coverage: Expect zero mobile signal in most national parks and on rural highways between them. Download offline Google Maps, AllTrails routes, and iOverlander campground data for the entire state before leaving Salt Lake City. Springdale and Moab have reliable coverage.
- Moab as basecamp: Moab is the ideal hub for exploring Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point. The town has full-service RV parks with hookups ($40–$60 per night), grocery stores, gear shops, and restaurants. Plan at least 3 nights here to do the area justice.
Major events and festivals near Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City and Utah offer a unique mix of outdoor festivals, film events, cultural celebrations, and world-class sporting events. Whether you time your RV trip around the Sundance Film Festival or stumble upon a local rodeo, Utah's events calendar adds depth and excitement to any road trip.
Signature events
- Sundance Film Festival. January (Park City): Robert Redford's world-famous independent film festival transforms Park City into a global cinema destination for 10 days each January. Over 120,000 attendees flood the town. Screenings, panels, and celebrity sightings take place on Historic Main Street and at the Eccles Theatre. Park City is 40 minutes from SLC, but accommodation and RV parks book out 6+ months ahead. Consider staying at a Heber City or Kamas RV park and shuttling in.
- Moab Jeep Safari. Easter week (March/April): A nine-day off-road extravaganza attracting 4x4 and overland enthusiasts from around the world. Organised trail runs traverse Hell's Revenge, Poison Spider Mesa, and dozens of other iconic Moab trails. The town fills completely, book RV parks and BLM campsites months in advance. Even if you don't participate, watching from town is entertaining.
- Utah Shakespeare Festival. June through October (Cedar City): A Tony Award-winning theatre festival in Cedar City (a convenient stop between Bryce Canyon and Zion). Nine plays rotate through three theatres, including an outdoor Elizabethan-style stage. Tickets range from $25–$80. Cedar City has several RV parks within walking distance of the venues.
- Utah Arts Festival. June (SLC): A four-day celebration in downtown Salt Lake City featuring 130+ visual artists, live music on four stages, film screenings, and culinary demonstrations. Over 80,000 attendees. Free evening concerts in the outdoor amphitheatre.
- Pioneer Day. July 24: Utah's state holiday commemorating the arrival of Mormon pioneers in 1847. Celebrated with fireworks, parades, and rodeos across the state, in many Utah towns, Pioneer Day is bigger than the Fourth of July. The Days of '47 Parade in SLC is one of the largest in America.
- Bonneville Speed Week. August (Wendover): Land speed racing on the Bonneville Salt Flats, where vehicles attempt to break world records on the vast white surface. Free spectator admission, you can drive your RV right up to the course. The nearby town of Wendover has basic RV facilities. Speed Week typically runs for 5 days in mid-August, weather permitting.
Seasonal highlights for RV travellers
- Spring (March–May): Moab Jeep Safari fills the town with energy. Wildflowers carpet Zion's canyon floor and the hillsides around Snow Canyon State Park. Desert temperatures are ideal for hiking (18–28 °C). Waterfalls at Zion and Capitol Reef peak with snowmelt. Shoulder-season campsite availability is better than summer but still requires advance booking.
- Summer (June–August): Pioneer Day, Speed Week, outdoor concerts, and peak camping season. Southern Utah's deserts are scorching (regularly above 38 °C), so plan hikes for early morning. Higher-elevation parks like Bryce Canyon (rim at 2,500 m) and the Uinta Mountains remain pleasantly cool. The Mirror Lake Highway opens for dispersed camping.
- Autumn (September–November): Widely considered the best season for Utah parks. Temperatures cool to ideal hiking range, cottonwoods turn gold in Zion's canyons, and aspen groves blaze yellow across the Wasatch Mountains (peak colour mid-September to early October). Crowds thin dramatically after Labour Day. Book campgrounds early, savvy travellers know autumn is prime time.
- Winter (December–February): Sundance Film Festival in January. World-class skiing at Park City Mountain, Deer Valley, Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude, all within 60 minutes of SLC. Utah's famous “Greatest Snow on Earth” averages over 12 metres of annual snowfall in the Wasatch. Lower-elevation parks (Zion, Capitol Reef, Arches) remain accessible and beautifully uncrowded, though nights are freezing. Not all RV parks operate year-round, confirm availability in advance.
